PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 2, 2026
Maine’s power system is facing the stress of aged infrastructure while our leaders, namely the Maine Public Utilities Commission and Gov. Janet Mills (who applauded the PUC for rejecting the plan, calling it “outrageous” and “excessive”) are disconnected and behind the curve in meeting our state’s future energy needs. I’ve just returned from Abu Dhabi and found an unlikely ally: cryptocurrency mining. And before you assume that the often maligned “crypto” operation is a greedy hog of energy, know that digital mining operations are being explored around the world to stabilize grids, reduce energy waste, help heat greenhouses and fund infrastructure needs. It’s time for Maine to analyze other states’ innovations, to encourage new business and fund our programs before we get left in the dark — literally. ~ Jacob Aronoff, Portland